Artwork
Her Appeal to the Dauphin (Joan of Arc series: II)
Her Appeal to the Dauphin (Joan of Arc series: II) is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Louis Maurice Boutet de Monvel. It dates from 1906 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
It captures a pivotal moment in the story of the French heroine, rendered with attention to both detail and symbolic richness.
This painting, titled Her Appeal to the Dauphin, was created by Louis Maurice Boutet de Monvel in 1906. It is the second work in his series dedicated to the life of Joan of Arc. Executed in oil and gold leaf on canvas, the piece is a significant example of the artist's historical narrative painting. It captures a pivotal moment in the story of the French heroine, rendered with attention to both detail and symbolic richness.
Subject & Meaning
The artwork illustrates Joan of Arc presenting her case to the Dauphin, the future King Charles VII of France. Joan is depicted kneeling, dressed in unadorned attire, contrasting sharply with the opulent garments of the courtiers surrounding her in the grand chamber. This visual distinction emphasizes her humble origins and spiritual conviction against the backdrop of royal authority, highlighting the gravity and historical significance of her appeal.
Technique & Style
Boutet de Monvel employed oil paint on canvas, enhanced by the application of gold leaf, to create Her Appeal to the Dauphin. The use of gold leaf imparts a sense of grandeur and historical weight to the scene, elevating the depicted moment. The artist's method likely involved techniques such as glazing, which would contribute to the painting's luminous quality and the depth of its colors, characteristic of historical narrative illustration.
Artist & collection
